Higher education is the single most important contributor to success in life. Higher education leads to better careers and higher earnings. Numerous studies have demonstrated again and again that graduates earn several times more than non-graduates in a lifetime. Not surprisingly, millions of students all over the world pursue higher studies. It has been estimated that there will be 150 million students in higher education by the year 2010. In Sri Lanka too a large number of students aspire for university education. Unfortunately, opportunities for higher education in Sri Lanka are very limited. Less than 3% of students enrol in university education in Sri Lanka whereas the enrolment rate in most developed countries exceeds 50 %.

Nonetheless, a large number of students go through the Advanced Level programme that prepares students for university entrance. At the end, only a fraction gets selected for university education leaving a couple of hundred-thousand students stranded in the process. Thus, at the end of 2 years of intense A/L study, the vast majority is not permitted in the higher seats of learning; nor are they prepared for employment. This is an enormous waste of resources and best years of our youth.

Identifying the limited capacity for higher education in the state sector, APIIT, a leading higher education institution in the country, provides opportunities for A/L qualified students to enrol in globally recognized British degree programmes. Students who possess two A/L passes could secure enrolment in IT, Business Management or Law degree programmes conducted at the APIIT City Campus in Colombo and, on completion of 3 years of study, they would receive their degrees from Staffordshire University, UK. Three intakes per year allow students to enter higher education as soon as they are ready without wasting precious time.

Interestingly, APIIT has come up with a novel approach to provide a fast-track route to higher education for Ordinary Level qualified students. This is through a comprehensive pre-university Foundation Programme of 8-month duration. The APIIT Foundation Programme is designed to prepare students specifically for the Business and IT Degree Programmes offered at its City Campus in Colombo. The programme equips students with IT and Mathematical Skills, Communication Skills and general study skills in addition to prerequisite subject knowledge demanded by the degree programmes. At a time when students are required to acquire qualifications at an increasingly younger age, the APIIT Foundation Programme gives O/L students a head start on higher education. O/L students have the privilege of starting the Foundation Programme pending results.

Staffordshire University is amongst the leading UK universities which offer their degree programmes in Sri Lanka. Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) in the UK has rated Staffordshire University's teaching and learning methods as "Excellent". The university was awarded the Best Teacher Training Award in 2003 and was adjudged as the best new university by computing employees in 2005. Over 5,000 overseas students study for Staffordshire University programmes in China, Malaysia, Singapore, Pakistan, India, Sri Lanka and many other EU countries. Approximately 900 students studying at the APIIT City Campus in Colombo form part of this proud international student community.

APIIT-Sri Lanka has established a long-standing collaboration with Staffordshire University. Since its inauguration in 2000, APIIT-Sri Lanka has been offering programmes in partnership with Staffordshire University. Students who join APIIT Programmes have the option of continuing their education and completing the degree at APIIT in Sri Lanka or transferring to Staffordshire University in UK. Further, students have the option to transfer to one of many other affiliated universities in UK and Australia. Those who continue to follow the Staffordshire University programmes at APIIT will receive the internal degree certificate of Staffordshire University.

APIIT has earned a reputation for providing higher education programmes of high standard and learning opportunities of high quality.

APIIT teaching and learning facilities are considered as the best in the country. The state-of-the-art facilities and the panel of highly qualified and dedicated lecturers provide guidance and support to the students to perform to their full potential. In addition to its full-time lecturers, industry experts are also drawn in to share their experience to keep students abreast of current trends and advancements in the corporate sector.

In view of the outstanding resources available for education and the robust student support services, student attainment is high. Over 80% of APIIT students have obtained First or Second Class Upper degrees in the past. Study programmes at APIIT are constantly revised and reviewed to meet global standards and trends. Consequently, students find employment immediately after graduation with high profile placements in the industry. Further, feedback from the industry attests that APIIT graduates are most effective in employment.

APIIT is not only about higher education. Students are encouraged to participate in extra-curricular activities too. Student Activity Club at APIIT comprises several committees and clubs for students to partake in numerous recreational activities, to contribute to community development and improve their leadership and team working skills. Further, social and cultural activities are organized to develop socio-cultural harmony.

With its strong international relations, global standards and single-minded focus on quality in higher education, APIIT has emerged as the higher education institute of choice to achieve one's dreams and career goals.

APIIT is pleased to invite prospective students, including those with pending results, to visit the City Campus at 388, Union Place, Colombo 02; APIIT City Campus is open on weekdays from 8.30 am to 5.00 pm and on Saturdays from 8.30 am to 1.00 pm. You may also call Senani, Kanchana, Erandi or Ruzlie (2675060) or visit APIIT web site (www.apiit.edu.lk) for more information.